Honda HRC has announced that Yuki Kunii will compete in the upcoming MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. He will replace Jake Dixon during the Motul Hungarian Round at Balaton Park, scheduled for May 1-3, 2026. Dixon is currently recovering from wrist fractures sustained in a crash during pre-season testing in Australia.
Yuki Kunii’s Background and Experience
Yuki Kunii, 23, has raced in various motorcycle competitions, bringing valuable experience to the team.
- He has competed in the Moto3 and Moto2 World Championships.
- Kunii is a race winner in the Asia Talent Cup and the Red Bull Rookies Cup.
- He secured the 2024 STK1000 title with five wins out of six races.
- Kunii began his 2026 JSB1000 season with a podium finish at Motegi.
Impact of Dixon’s Injury
Dixon’s injury, which has sidelined him for the first four rounds of the season, is complex. He is undergoing intensive physiotherapy and utilizing a hyperbaric chamber to aid his recovery. Although his progress is encouraging, he is not yet fit to race.
Upcoming Race at Balaton Park
The fourth round of the WorldSBK series will take place at Balaton Park in Hungary. This event marks Kunii’s debut in the WorldSBK, where he will pilot the #96 machine. Fans can follow the event through the WorldSBK VideoPass, which is currently offering a 30% discount on subscriptions.
As the race approaches, anticipation builds for Kunii’s performance and how he will adapt to the highly competitive environment of WorldSBK.
